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Should we ban double jumps? Turn them into table-tops?

I've raced since the early '70s and I've seen a lot of guys hurt on double jumps for a lot of reasons. In Louisiana, a guy was killed (yes, dead) when he came up short (motor bogged on the face of the jump). The widow sued the owner, who closed the track. I've pushed friends around on their wheelchairs. Someday, I'll end up in one, since I'm competitive enough to jump (can't win, if I don’t), even though I know I’ll get hurt someday.

Smart track owners are starting to realize they can’t make money on a dangerous track and hate to see anyone hurt. But fast guys want dangerous stuff to “separate the men from the boys”. But it really doesn't. At every track I visit, almost everyone jumps the doubles (except beginners, and most of them do). It really doesn't separate the fast guys form anyone. Actually, since all of us need the same 'perfect' trajectory, we have to go the same speed. A flat, but very rough straightaway would do a better job of separating the talent.

We used to have a local track in LA that had no jumps – more like a dirt road racing course. It always had the closest racing you ever saw. It as safe, but most of all, it was lots of fun. No, you didn’t have the ‘thrill’ of jumping, but it made for great racing. Old guys could go just as fast as young guys, so they didn’t need age groups.

I’ve broken 10 bones in my body, so I’m not exactly a wimp. I just realize the danger I’m in when I do it. Last night, I saw a kid on his 65 smash into the face of a double. He didn’t get up for a while. On this forum, I see where some guy is not expected to live after his crash. How would your parents/wife/kids feel if that was you? How would you feel if he was your best friend.

I suggest that it’s time to turn those doubles into table tops before “60 Minutes” does a number on us. I watched the sport go downhill in the ’80s in Louisiana, because the owners couldn’t get insurance. It happens all the time in other sports, so it will happen again to motocross. MX is dangerous enough without creating our own problems. Back in the days of 4” travel suspensions (‘70s), you saw guys hurt, but our bikes weren’t fast enough to generate the G-forces we can today. We used to say “MX breaks bones, but at least nobody ever dies”. Now we see friends dying. Time to wake up before the Consumer Safety Commission bans our sport. See many 3-wheelers around?

So, I’m sure a few will call me names, (that’s ok). I’d like to hear everyone’s thoughts.

I try to talk to every track owner I can, and point out the business, moral and practical aspect. If you are already clearing the double, why would it matter to you if it gets filled-in? It makes it safer for everyone. If you want to make it harder, get on a 125. But all the four-strokes tell me you guys don’t want the challenge.

Fill in the doubles? Tell me why we shouldn’t?

UPDATE: Here's a track that did fill in the double jumps. The track owner said he saw too many kids getting hurt. It's a great track - fast, fun and reasonably safe. Pax Track

It is local to me, and an absolute blast to ride. Great traction, huge berms, lots of jumps and lots of fun. This is what motocross is all about, not that kill-yourself-if-you-miss stuff.

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